An Ohio man is behind bars accused of committing a hate crime against a Jewish man in Cincinnati nearly a year ago.The Ohio Department of Justice announced Wednesday that Izmir Koch, 32, of Huber Heights has been indicted.According to the indictment, Koch was standing outside of a Cincinnati restaurant in February of 2017 when he yelled out asking if anyone nearby was Jewish.After a man answered back that he was, Koch punched him in the head, according to documents.Authorities said when the victim fell to the ground, others joined Koch in hitting and kicking him.As a result, the man had rib contusions and a fracture, among other injuries.“Physically attacking someone because you think he’s Jewish—or Christian or Muslim or any other religion—is a federal crime,” said U.S. Attorney Benjamin Glassman in a news release. “This office prosecutes hate crimes.”Koch was charged with one count of committing a hate crime, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

CINCINNATI —

An Ohio man is behind bars accused of committing a hate crime against a Jewish man in Cincinnati nearly a year ago.

The Ohio Department of Justice announced Wednesday that Izmir Koch, 32, of Huber Heights has been indicted.

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According to the indictment, Koch was standing outside of a Cincinnati restaurant in February of 2017 when he yelled out asking if anyone nearby was Jewish.

After a man answered back that he was, Koch punched him in the head, according to documents.

Authorities said when the victim fell to the ground, others joined Koch in hitting and kicking him.

As a result, the man had rib contusions and a fracture, among other injuries.

“Physically attacking someone because you think he’s Jewish—or Christian or Muslim or any other religion—is a federal crime,” said U.S. Attorney Benjamin Glassman in a news release. “This office prosecutes hate crimes.”

Koch was charged with one count of committing a hate crime, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.